U.S. patent number 11,426,632 [Application Number 16/785,589] was granted by the patent office on 2022-08-30 for device and method for enhancing user operation of an exercise machine.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SONY CORPORATION. The grantee listed for this patent is SONY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Henrik Bengtsson, Jakob Hakansson.
United States Patent |
11,426,632 |
Bengtsson , et al. |
August 30, 2022 |
Device and method for enhancing user operation of an exercise
machine
Abstract
A device configured to enhance user operation of an exercise
machine. The device includes control circuitry including logic
configured to obtain a stroke measure associated with an exercise
motion performed by the user operating the exercise machine; obtain
a speed value associated with a target speed for the exercise
motion; determine a target period for the exercise motion, based on
the stroke measure and the speed value; and output a guide
indicator representing the target period on a display.
Inventors: |
Bengtsson; Henrik (Lund,
SE), Hakansson; Jakob (Lund, SE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SONY CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
N/A |
JP |
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Assignee: |
SONY CORPORATION (Tokyo,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
1000006530061 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/785,589 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2020 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20200316434 A1 |
Oct 8, 2020 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Apr 2, 2019 [SE] |
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1950404-2 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/0628 (20151001); A63B 71/0686 (20130101); A63B
24/0075 (20130101); A63B 24/0087 (20130101); A63B
24/0062 (20130101); A63B 71/0622 (20130101); A63B
2225/52 (20130101); A63B 2220/833 (20130101); A63B
2220/30 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
21/062 (20060101); A63B 24/00 (20060101); A63B
71/06 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2007060616 |
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May 2007 |
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WO |
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2015/113162 |
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Aug 2015 |
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WO |
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Other References
Swedish Search Report and Office Action from corresponding Swedish
Patent Application No. 1950404-2, dated Oct. 14, 2019, 9 pages.
cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Ganesan; Sundhara M
Assistant Examiner: Abyaneh; Shila Jalalzadeh
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Tucker Ellis LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A device configured to control user operation of an exercise
machine, comprising: a control unit including logic configured to:
obtain a stroke measure associated with an exercise motion
performed by the user operating the exercise machine, wherein said
stroke measure is a distance between two end positions of said
exercise motion measured during operation by the user; obtain a
speed value associated with a target speed for the exercise motion,
wherein the target speed represents a predetermined maximum speed
between end positions of the exercise motion; determine a target
period for the exercise motion, based on the stroke measure and the
speed value, wherein the target period (T1), representing the
exercise motion from a first end position to a second end position
and back to the first end position is determined as T1=pi*x/v,
where x is the stroke measure and v is the target speed; and output
a guide indicator representing the target period on a display.
2. The device of claim 1, comprising a data receiver configured to
receive position data of a resistance element of the exercise
machine from a sensor arrangement, wherein the logic is configured
to determine the stroke measure based on said position data.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the logic is configured to
present a second indicator representing actual movement of the
resistance element based on said position data.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said guide indicator is
controlled to oscillate with the determined target period.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein said guide indicator is
controlled to present a repetition indication, associated with a
number of repetitions of the exercise motion carried out in one set
of repetitions.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the logic is configured to:
obtain a first speed value (v1) associated with a first target
speed from a first end position to a second end position of the
exercise motion, and obtain a second speed value (v2) associated
with a second target speed from the second end position to the
first end position of the exercise motion, wherein said target
period includes a first period portion based on the stroke measure
and the first speed value, and a second period portion based on the
stroke measure and the second speed value.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein said target period includes an
idle period between the first period portion and the second period
portion.
8. The device of claim 1, comprising a data receiver configured to
receive said stroke measure from a sensor arrangement of the
exercise machine.
9. The device of claim 1, comprising a memory for storing said
stroke measure.
10. The device of claim 1, comprising said display.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein said control unit comprises: a
processor; and memory storage; wherein the processor is configured
to execute program code stored in said memory storage to generate
said logic.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein said guide indicator includes an
animation of a circle controlled to change radius with the
determined target period between an inner radius limit and an outer
radius limit.
13. A system configured to control user operation of an exercise
machine, comprising: a device having a control unit and a display;
a sensor arrangement connectable to the exercise machine,
including: an accelerometer to sense acceleration during an
exercise motion, and a range meter to sense a relative position of
a member of the exercise machine; and a sensor controller
configured to output data to the device, the data that is output is
based on data that is sensed by the sensor arrangement; the control
unit including logic configured to: obtain a stroke measure from
the sensor arrangement associated with an exercise motion performed
by the user operating the exercise machine, wherein said stroke
measure is a distance between two end positions of said exercise
motion measured during operation by the user; obtain a speed value
associated with a target speed for the exercise motion, wherein the
target speed represents a predetermined maximum speed between end
positions of the exercise motion; determine a target period for the
exercise motion, based on the stroke measure and the speed value,
wherein the target period (T1), representing the exercise motion
from a first end position to a second end position and back to the
first end position is determined as T1=pi*x/v, where x is the
stroke measure and v is the target speed; and output a guide
indicator representing the target period on the display.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the sensor arrangement is
configured to: detect initiation of a motion using the
accelerometer; detect a relative position using the range meter
responsive to detected initiation; and determine start of a stroke
responsive to the detected relative position exceeding a threshold
value from a rest position.
15. A method carried out in a user device for controlling user
operation of an exercise machine, comprising: obtaining a stroke
measure associated with an exercise motion performed by the user
operating the exercise machine, wherein said stroke measure is a
distance between two end positions of said exercise motion measured
during operation by the user; obtaining a speed value associated
with a target speed for the exercise motion, wherein the target
speed represents a predetermined maximum speed between end
positions of the exercise motion; determining a target period for
the exercise motion, based on the stroke measure and the speed
value, wherein the target period (T1), representing the exercise
motion from a first end position to a second end position and back
to the first end position is determined as T1=pi*x/v, where x is
the stroke measure and v is the target speed; and outputting a
guide indicator representing the target period on a display.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
This application claims the benefit of Swedish Patent Application
No. 1950404-2, filed Apr. 2, 2019, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for
measuring, transmitting, recording and displaying information
relating to physical exercise. More particularly, solutions are
provided for devices and methods for enhancing user operation of an
exercise machine, devised for performing an exercise motion,
specifically the type of exercise machine that comprises a
user-operable movable member having a resistance element, such as a
lifting mechanism for selectively engaging a number of weights.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, there has been a virtual explosion in the
popularity of exercise and physical fitness. There are many popular
forms of physical exercise including, for example, running,
cycling, and weight training. The growing interest in weight
training is reflected by the growing number of gyms found in both
public and private settings.
There are various types of weight training equipment. Typical
weight machines, for example, use gravity as the primary source of
resistance. A combination of simple machines (e.g., pulleys,
levers, wheels, inclines, etc.) to change the mechanical advantage
of the overall machine relative to the weight and convey the
resistance to the person using the exercise machine. Conventional
stacked weight machines, such as those made by Cybex International,
Inc. and Nautilus, Inc., typically include a stack of rectangular
weight plates through which a lifting mechanism, for example
comprising a vertical lifting bar, passes. The lifting bar includes
a plurality of holes configured to accept an engaging member, such
as a pin. Each of the plates has a corresponding channel that
aligns with one of the holes in the lifting bar when the lifting
bar is in the lowered or at-rest position. To lift a selected
number of the plates, the user operates the engaging member, for
example by inserting a pin through the channel and the
corresponding hole in the lift bar at a selected weight level. As
the user goes through the exercise motion, the lift bar rises, and
the engaging member supports all of the plates stacked above it.
The various settings on the weight machine allow the user to select
from several different levels of resistance over the same range of
motion by simply inserting the pin into the lift bar at a desired
weight level. Conventional weight pins usually include a
cylindrical shaft made of stainless steel or other hard metal. In
its simplest form, a weight pin can be made from a single piece of
cylindrical metal rod that is bent slightly at one end to form a
handle for inserting and removing the pin into a weight stack.
Other types of weight pins can include a plastic or metal handle
portion that is attached to the cylindrical shaft which is inserted
into the weight stack. The shaft can include spring-loaded ball
bearings and/or other locking features to releasable engage the pin
with the weight stack and prevent it from becoming dislodged during
use of the weight machine. Some pins with locking features include
a push button on the handle to facilitate engagement of the locking
feature with the weight stack and/or lifting bar.
Other types of weight machines employ rotation about a horizontal
axis, in which operation to turn a member about the axis, by for
example pushing or pulling a lever, is counter-acted by a
resistance member including a radially extending member to which
variable weight, and/or variable radial length, may be selected.
Other alternative types of exercise machines may include other
types of resistance members than weight, such as a resilient
member, for example a spring mechanism or a rubber band
arrangement, which may be stretched or compressed by a user
operating a handle or similar member of the machine.
One important aspect of any type of exercise machine is that it is
used in a way that is suitable for the intended use. This may of
course apply to safety reasons, but also to the optimum way of
performing the exercise for a user dependent on the need or wish of
the user, or the result the user is aiming for. One shortcoming of
conventional weight machines, however, is that they lack a
convenient way for the user to track and record his or her progress
on a particular machine or group of machines during a particular
exercise session or over a given period of time. As a result,
people engaged in weight training programs often rely on memory to
keep track of how many weights they lifted on a particular
occasion, or how many repetitions they performed on a particular
machine. Rather than rely on memory, some people use notebooks to
manually record information about their workout. Neither of these
approaches, however, is particularly convenient.
In this context, a system for tracking workout related information
was suggested in WO2015/113162A1. That system includes a wearable
device wirelessly connectable to receive workout information
related to use of a workout equipment, including a weight being
used in the workout equipment. Workout information is collected by
means of a weight stack selector device, which may determine both
selected weight information and repetition information based on
distance measured from a weight stack selector device to a
stationary reference point. This may be accomplished by means of a
transmitter incorporated in the selector device.
A problem related to systems for measuring and tracking workout
data is that the data may still be static and will not guide the
user how to perform the exercise. Specifically, exercise machine
users often perform the exercise motion too quickly or too slowly.
Generally speaking, the speed of the exercise may vary, depending
on which type of muscle performance you are aiming to develop or
train. For this purpose, users of exercise machines may still need
assistance to guide or help them do the movement accurately. An
appropriate speed or rate of performing the motion may for example
be set by assistance from a personal trainer at the gym. However,
it may still be hard to recall and repeat an appropriate speed of
motion for a user.
A problem generally associated with systems and methods for
tracking, controlling and enhancing user performance in exercise
machines is power consumption. In a gym, exercise machines are
typically spread out on the floor throughout one or more rooms, and
access to a mains outlet is rarely available at each machine. In
various embodiments, the system is therefore battery-charged, and
moderate power consumption is consequently an overall objective.
Furthermore, even if an exercise machine is intended to be used in
a certain manner, gym users tend to find new ways of exercising
using such machines. The system should be so devised that minimum
user interaction is required, and such that accidental tampering or
inhibition of the measurement is prevented during foreseeable use
of the exercise machine.
SUMMARY
A solution that can assist users to control the exercise machines
appropriately, such that a desired effect of the training may be
accomplished, is desirable. Moreover, a solution where old exercise
machines can be kept and the digitization can be retrofit, and
which does not require AC power is what many gyms and machine
vendors strive for. An object of embodiments herein is thus to
provide solutions for devices and methods for enhancing user
operation of an exercise machine, and which is also robust, easy to
install, power efficient and that provides a good user experience
for users.
According to a first aspect 1, a device is provided, configured to
enhance user operation of an exercise machine, comprising
control circuitry including logic configured to
obtain a stroke measure associated with an exercise motion
performed by the user operating the exercise machine;
obtain a speed value associated with a target speed for the
exercise motion;
determine a target period for the exercise motion, based on the
stroke measure and the speed value;
output a guide indicator representing the target period on a
display.
A typical speed for a standard motion of a standard machine
exercise, for example leg press, can be a speed v, such as 0.3 m/s.
With an animation provided on a display that indicates a certain
nominal tempo or period, it may be difficult to use the correct, or
desired speed in the exercise. Different length of arms or legs for
two different users will, with the same animation, create different
speeds. By means of the suggested solution, a way to set the cycle
time of the animation so that the speed gets to be correct is
obtained.
According to a second aspect, a method is provided to be carried
out in a user device, including the steps of
obtaining a stroke measure associated with an exercise motion
performed by the user operating the exercise machine;
obtaining a speed value associated with a target speed for the
exercise motion;
determining a target period for the exercise motion, based on the
stroke measure and the speed value;
outputting a guide indicator representing the target period on a
display.
According to a third aspect, a system is provided, configured to
enhance user operation of an exercise machine, comprising
a device as indicated in the first aspect; and
a sensor arrangement connectable to the exercise machine, including
an accelerometer to sense acceleration during an exercise motion,
and a range meter to sense a relative position of a member of the
exercise machine; and a sensor controller configured to output data
based on sensed data to the device.
Various embodiments related to these aspects are set out in the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates an exercise machine 1 that may be
operated in accordance with the embodiments provided herein.
FIG. 2A illustrates a first example embodiment of a system in which
the invention may be employed.
FIG. 2B illustrates a second example embodiment of a system in
which the invention may be employed.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a repetition detector of the
system.
FIG. 4 illustrates an observer of the system.
FIG. 5A illustrates an exercise machine identifier of the
system.
FIG. 5B illustrates the exercise machine identifier and the
repetition detector when mounted.
FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface of a user device.
FIG. 7 illustrates a weight sensing device of the system.
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a repetition detector and a
user device communicating according to various methods as presented
herein.
FIGS. 9A through 9G illustrates an animation provided on a user
interface of the user device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 10 illustrates a variant o the animation provided on a user
interface.
FIG. 11 illustrates a method for enhancing user operation of an
exercise machine according to various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings,
wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements
throughout. It will be understood that the figures are not
necessarily to scale. Also, features that are described and/or
illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same
way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in
combination with or instead of the features of the other
embodiments.
Initially, a setup of a system of devices associated with
measuring, communicating and presenting information related to an
exercise motion carried out by a user on an exercise machine will
be discussed.
FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a stacked weight exercise machine 1
having a plurality of weights 2 which may be monitored using the
proposed monitoring system. In FIG. 1B the stacked weights are
shown in further detail.
FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a first example implementation
(denoted 100a) of a monitoring system 100 for monitoring one or
more exercise machines. In this example only one exercise machine 1
is shown. However, it must be appreciated that the monitoring
system would typically be arranged to monitor a plurality of
exercise machines. The monitoring system 100a of FIG. 2A may
comprise one repetition detector 10 and one exercise machine
identifier 40 for each exercise machine that is to be monitored.
The monitoring system 100a may further comprise a server 2, at
least one observer 30, and a wireless communication device 50, a
weight sensing device 60 and an admin tool 70. The server has
access to a data storage 20.
FIG. 2B illustrates a second example embodiment (denoted 100b) of
the monitoring system 100. This embodiment differs from the first
example embodiment in that the functionality of the observer 30 is
integrated in the user device 50, for example the user's phone.
This means that during exercise the signaling to from a server over
internet is not needed.
The repetition detector 10, the exercise machine identifier 40 will
be the same as in the first example embodiment. However, the
functionality of the observer 30 and the user device 50 would
typically be different, as no signaling there between is needed. In
particular the observer 30 will provide the exercise data directly
to the user device 50, as it is comprised therein. Furthermore, the
user device 50 will be configured to, when occupied, broadcast a
signal that informs other user devices that the exercise machine 1
is occupied.
FIG. 3 shows the repetition detector 10, also referred to as a main
unit, in further detail. The repetition detector 10 is configured
to be arranged to the stacked weights 2 of exercise machine 1. For
example, it is configured to be arranged on the top of the stack of
weights, for example on the uppermost weight, as shown in FIGS. 2A,
2B and 5B.
The repetition detector 10 may be configured to advertise
information (for example a series of integers) associated with the
exercising using short range wireless communication.
More specifically, the repetition detector 10 may comprise a sensor
arrangement 11 configured to provide sensor data indicative of a
longitudinal movement of at least one of the stacked weights 2. In
exercise machines comprising stacked weights, the user may
typically select how many of the weights should be used or engaged
in the exercise. This is for example done by inserting a pin in one
of the weights 2. During exercise the user will then indirectly
"lift" the selected weights, which corresponds to a longitudinal
movement of the selected weights. The training may be tracked by
monitoring how many weights are selected to be lifted and how many
times the selected weights are lifted.
In other words, the repetition detector 10 comprises a sensor
arrangement 11 configured to detect when a user performs an
exercise in the exercise machine 1, by detecting longitudinal
movements (herein also referred to as repetitions) of at least one
of the stacked weights 2. The sensor arrangement 11 may for example
comprise an accelerometer, range finder, a tension meter and/or
similar. In an example implementation the sensor arrangement 11
comprises a light range finder. The light range finder is
configured to transmit a laser beam 31 and to receive a reflection
32 of the transmitted laser beam to determine the distance to a
fixed point of the upper part of the exercise machine. For example,
the rangefinder operates on the time of flight (TOF) principle by
sending a laser pulse in a narrow beam towards the object and
measuring the time taken by the pulse to be reflected off the
target and returned to the sender.
Detection of a longitudinal movement of the stacked weight would
then typically correspond to detecting that the distance between
the repetition detector 10 and the exercise machine has changed a
pre-determined amount, which corresponds to that the stacked
weights 2 have been lifted. It is also possible to detect that at
least one of the stacked weights 2 have moved more than a first
pre-determined distance upwards, such as 2-5 cm, for determining
that a first stroke is initiated, and/or a second predetermined
distance, such as 10-70 cm from a rest position or from a lower
pause position where the first stroke is initiated, before it
starts moving in the opposite direction, for determining that a
first half stroke has been carried out.
The repetition detector 10 may further comprise a short range
wireless communication interface. The short range wireless
communication interface for example uses Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE,
ZigBee, LoRa.
The repetition detector 10 further comprises control circuitry
configured to detect a longitudinal movement based on the sensor
data provided by the sensor arrangement 11. The control circuitry
is further configured to broadcast, using the short range wireless
communication interface, a signal (such as an advertisement)
comprising an identity of the exercise machine 1 and an indication
of the detected longitudinal movement of at least one of the
stacked weights 2. That the signal is broadcasted means that it may
be heard by multiple receivers. Typically, it can be heard by an
observer or user device that supports the short-range communication
protocol. The broadcasted signal comprise may also comprise other
data such as a sequence number and/or repetition number or other
information.
For these type of applications low power consumption is crucial.
Thus, in some embodiments the control circuitry is also configured
to implement a power control function. The repetition detector 10
is then set in a sleep mode (which corresponds to practically
completely switched off) when no exercise is performed, that is
when the repetition detector 10 (and the stacked weights 2) is not
moving or has not been moving for a predetermined period of time,
such as 2-3 seconds. In various embodiments, the power control
function is configured to set the repetition detector in sleep mode
responsive to determining that the resistance member, for example
the weight stack 2, has returned to a rest position and remained
there for said predetermined period of time. An accelerometer or
similar is then used to wake-up the repetition detector 10 when it
starts moving, and may also be configured to detect an acceleration
spike that indicates that the resistance member is returned to its
rest position. The sensor arrangement 11 may be triggered by the
accelerometer to start detecting repetitions. If the repetition
detector 10 is still for more than a few seconds, it will return to
sleep mode, for example, if it still for at least 2-3 seconds.
The detection and broadcasting are typically performed in
real-time, such that each and every repetition that a user performs
in the exercise machine is "reported". Thus, it is important that
each and every signal can be correctly observed. Therefore, in one
example implementation the broadcasted signal comprises a
pulse-train of ten repeated signals.
In some embodiments, the repetition detector 10 also comprises or
is connected to a weight sensing device 60 (FIG. 7) The weight
sensing device 60 is configured to estimate the weight that the
user uses when training. This may for example be implemented by
measuring a distance between the weight sensing device 60 and an
engaging member. One example implementation is shown in
international patent application WO2017/178048. This may include
sensing a distance between the device 60 and the weight pin 3, see
FIG. 2, for example using a time of flight sensor in the weight
sensing device 60. The position of the weight pin corresponds to
the weight to be lifted, and the distance from the weight sensing
device 60, positioned for example the top in the weight stack, to
the weight pin 3 will then be proportional to the weight. Even in
the event not all weights 2 in the stack are equal, they are still
arranged in a predetermined order, and the measured distance can
thus easily be transformed into a weight measurement. Where a
weight sensing device 60 is included, the broadcasted signal may
also comprise information about the estimated weight.
In conclusion, the at least one repetition detector 10 is
configured to broadcast a short range wireless communication signal
comprising an identity of the exercise machine 1 and an indication
of a longitudinal movement of at least one of the stacked weights
2.
The exercise machine identifier 40, also referred to as a puck
(FIG. 5A), may be configured to transmit a near field wireless
communication signal comprising the identity of the exercise
machine. More specifically, the exercise machine identifier 40
comprises a proximity detector for example a NFC receiver,
configured to detect proximity of for example a user device 50 and
a transmitter configured to transmit the near field wireless
communication signal. The signal is for example NFC or RFID. The
proximity detector and transmitter may be implemented by as an NFC
tag. The near field wireless communication signal is typically
received by a user device 50 (for example a user's smartphone). The
user may then inform the server that he/she intends to start
exercising in the exercise machine 1.
FIG. 5B illustrates the exercise machine identifier 40 and the
repetition detector 10 when installed in the exercise machine 1.
The repetition detector 10 is then mounted in the upper weight of
the stacked weights 2.
The optional observer 30 (FIG. 4) comprises a short range wireless
communication interface, for monitoring short range wireless
communication signals transmitted by repetition detectors 10
arranged to a plurality of exercise machines in a gym. The observer
30 is configured to receive signals broadcasted by repetition
detectors 10 and to generate exercise data based on the received
signals. More specifically, the observer 30 parses the data from
detected advertisements (for example a series of integers) and
sends it on the server 21. The observer 30 typically doesn't know
whether a user is registered or logged in at the machines, it just
forwards all correctly parsed advertisements. This means that all
training in the gym is tracked, even when the user is not
registered to the service.
Some analysis of the data is typically performed at the observer
30. More specifically, when the observer receives a pulse train
from the repetition detector 10, then it filters the repetitions,
for example removing duplicates having the same repetition number,
and interprets it as one repetition. The generated exercise data is
then forwarded to the server 21, where it is typically for stored
in the data storage 20. The observer 30 for example uses ordinary
internet communication for communication with the server 21. The
observer 30 may also comprise logic for establishing such
connection and to detect bad internet connection and to reconnect,
when connection is lost.
The data storage 20 is configured to store the exercise data of the
exercise machines. In this embodiment the data storage 20 is
comprised in a server 21 or backend. Thus, the data storage 20 is
for example a cloud implemented database or a remote database. The
data stored in the data storage 20 may be used to gain insights and
data about gym members and their training patterns and would also
enable detailed analysis of utilization of gym machines.
The server 21 typically communicates over internet, for example
using IP/Ethernet. The server 21 will receive exercise data from
the observer and store it in the data storage 20. The stored
exercise data can be used for all kinds of analysis at a later
point in time. If a user device 40 is registered on a certain
machine, then exercise data will be forwarded to the user device 50
in real time or substantially real time. In other words, exercise
data corresponding to every detected repetition will be forwarded
to the user device 50.
The user device 50 is for example a smartphone comprising a mobile
application, for example an android app (FIG. 6). In the mobile
application the user may monitor machine training automatically in
real-time, follow pre-defined workouts or save your personal
workouts, view history of all training data, workout programs,
statistics and progress.
The user device 50 is configured to receive the near field wireless
communication signal from the exercise machine identifier 40. The
user device 50 is configured to communicate with the server 21 and
to retrieve exercise data from the server 21. The user device 50
may also inform the server 21 that it intends to start training in
an exercise machine 1. In other words, the user device 50 is
configured to register (log-in)/de-register (log-off) itself at the
exercise machine 1.
When a user device 50 is registered at the exercise machine 1, the
server 20 will then start forwarding exercise data to the user
device in real-time. In other words, the user device 50 is
configured to retrieve, from the server 21, exercise data
corresponding to an exercise machine identity comprised in the
received near field wireless communication signal.
The user device 50 will present exercise data or information
associated therewith to the user in any form depending on
implementation. For example, the weight, the number of repetitions
and the exercise machine's name are displayed on a display of the
user device 50. In other words, the user device 50 is configured to
provide the retrieved exercise data to a user. After completion of
the exercising the entire program is typically sent to the server
21 for storage.
The function and operation of the system according to various
embodiments of the invention will now be described in further
detail, with reference to the drawings, related to the example
implementation setups of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
More specifically, various embodiments of the invention may be
carried out in a system of FIG. 8. Herein, both the repetition
detector 10 and a user device 50 are shown. The repetition detector
10 comprises a sensor arrangement 11, which is attachable to an
exercise machine 1. The sensor arrangement may include one range
meter 12 configured to sense a relative position, such as a
relative position of a member of the exercise machine with respect
to a reference position. The range meter may for example be a TOF
sensor. The sensor arrangement 11 may further comprise an
accelerometer 13, configured to detect movement of a member to
which the accelerometer is attached, such as a part of the exercise
machine. The repetition detector 11 further comprises control
circuitry 15, comprising a processor 16 and memory storage 17
configured to hold program code which may be executed by the
processor 16. The repetition sensor 10 further comprises a signal
transceiver 14, operable to transmit for example sensor data. The
transceiver 14 may for example be a short range wireless
communication interface, as already exemplified. The repetition
detector 10 further comprises a power source, such as a battery
(not shown). While FIG. 8 shows the repetition detector as one
unit, it may be pointed out that for example the range meter 12 and
the accelerometer 13 need not be contained in a common casing.
Indeed, these may be separate elements, configured to communicate
separately to transmit sensor data, and receive trigger signals to
perform sensing and to transmit sensed data.
FIG. 8 further shows a user device 50, such a mobile phone or small
handheld computer, or even a combination of a wearable device, such
as a wristlet, and a mobile phone or computer. The user device 50
comprises a data receiver 51, for example a data transceiver, for
at least receiving signals and data from the repetition detector
10. A further transceiver 52 may be included for communicating
through another air interface, such as a cellular access technology
and/or a wireless LAN access technology. The user device 50
comprises control circuitry 53 including logic configured to carry
out method steps as outlined herein. The control circuitry may
include a processor 54 and memory storage 55, wherein the processor
54 is configured to execute program code stored in said memory
storage 55 to generate said logic. Herein, the memory storage 55
will also be referred to for storing both data and algorithms
usable for making calculations according to various embodiments.
However, it may be noted that such data and algorithms may be
stored in different physical media than the program code and may
even be stored in cloud storage, accessible by means of for example
the transceiver 52. The user device 50 may further comprise a
display 56, or alternatively a communication interface to an
external display, for example provided on the exercise machine
1.
As noted, users of exercise machines often perform the exercise
motion too quickly or too slowly or with an inconsistent repetition
speed. The result may be that the desired effect of the training is
not obtained, and that the risk of injury may increase. For these
reasons, users may need a guide to help them do the movement
accurately. Gym staff and personal trainers may be consulted, but
it is oftentimes not feasible to employ a personal trainer for each
exercise session. The embodiments presented herein are based on an
alternative solution, wherein the user is guided by means of an
indicator out put on a display 56, representing a certain period or
frequency for carrying out the exercise motion. In various
embodiments, the indicator may include an animation, such as an
object pulsating or moving according to said period, as will be
described further below by means of an example embodiment with
reference to FIGS. 9A through 9G and 10.
Various embodiments will now be described with reference to FIG.
11.
In a step S1, a stroke measure x associated with an exercise motion
performed by user operating the exercise machine is obtained.
Herein, the stroke is referred to as a distance between outermost
positions of the exercise motion, measured between two positions of
the exercise machine, such as the difference between the summit and
the valley of the weight stack as it moves up and down. It may for
example relate to the relative position of the uppermost weight of
the weight stack 2, or a lifting mechanism, with respect to for
example the floor or a static part of the exercise machine. The
outermost positions may include a first position, a start position,
from which the user starts pulling/pushing a handle of the exercise
machine, and a second position, an end position, at which the user
stops pulling/pushing and starts releasing.
In various embodiments, the stroke measure x may be determined by
means of sensor data from the repetition detector 10, in a step S0.
The end positions may relate to positions where the acceleration,
as determined by the accelerometer 13, has a maximum absolute value
throughout the motion. In some embodiments, the outermost positions
may be determined directly by the range meter 12, which may be
configured to intermittently measure a relative position during the
motion.
In various embodiments, the stroke measure x is determined in the
repetition detector 10, based on the sensor data, and transmitted
to the user device 50 for obtainment. In other embodiments, sensor
data from the sensor arrangement 11 is transmitted to the user
device 50, in which the stroke measure x is determined based on the
sensor data.
In some embodiments, the stroke measure x may be determined at one
event when the user operates the exercise machine, whereupon the
stroke measure x is stored in a step S01. Storing may be made in
memory storage 55 of the user device 50. Alternatively, it may be
stored in the cloud, where it may later be retrieved by the user
device 50. In such embodiments, the step S1 of obtaining the stroke
measure x, at another instance of using the exercise machine, may
thus be accomplished by retrieving the stroke measure x from
memory, rather than measuring it again. This stroke measure x
retrieval may be trigger by the user logging in with the exercise
machine using the user device 50 and the exercise machine
identifier 40.
In various embodiments, either step S0 or step S01 may be included
at an instance of using the exercise machine in accordance with the
invention, whereas the other step is optional. In other words,
these steps define different embodiments for determining the stroke
measure x obtained in step S1.
For exercise machines that may be operated for different types of
exercise motions, the user device may be operated to select the
motion in question to perform in a step S02, for example using a
user interface of the user device 50. Where the stroke measure x is
retrieved from memory, this user input may also control which
stroke measure data to obtain by data retrieval.
In a step S2, a speed value v associated with a target speed for
the exercise motion is obtained. The target speed value v may for
example be set or determined by the user or with help of a personal
trainer and is selected to obtain a certain desired effect with the
exercise. Various different target speeds may thus be usable for
the same exercise machine, dependent on the type of training to do.
Obtainment of the speed value v may be performed by retrieving the
value from data storage 55 in the user device 50, from a remote
cloud storage, or from local storage at the gym, using the user
device 50. The speed value v can be determined in the direction of
the stroke distance x, and is thus in reality a measure of
velocity.
In a step S3, a target period T1 for the exercise motion is
determined, based on the stroke measure x and the speed value v. In
this context, the period T1 relates to the cycle time of an
exercise motion, such as from a first end position to a second end
position and back to the first end position. The period T1 is thus
the inverse of the repetition frequency.
In various embodiments, the period T1 is determined by calculation
in the user device 50, wherein the period T1 is proportional to the
stroke measure x and inversely proportional to the determined speed
value v. In some embodiments, the determination is made under the
approximation of a sinus curve, which as such represents a motion
which is slower at the top and bottom, in other words the end
positions where the motion turns direction, and fast in the middle.
In various embodiments, the target speed, or velocity, is defined
as the maximum speed during the motion. In such an embodiment, the
time period T is determined as T1=pi*x/v. In other embodiments, a
first speed value v1 may be associated with a first target speed
from a first end position to a second end position of the exercise
motion, and a second speed value v2 may be associated with a second
target speed from the second end position to the first end position
of the exercise motion. This may for example relate to a motion
with a fast pulling/pushing action, followed by a slower release
back to the starting position. In such an embodiment, the target
period T2 may include a first period portion T21 based on the
stroke measure and the first speed value v1, for example based on a
sinus shape as before or even a constant speed determined as
T21=x/v1. A second period portion T22 may correspondingly be based
on the stroke measure x and the second speed value v2, determined
as a sinus or constant speed movement. The total period T2 thus
includes the sum of T21 and T22. The total period T2 may further
include an idle rest period T23 between T21 and T22; that is
T2=T21+T22+T23.
In a step S4, a guide indicator representing the target period T1
is output on a display 56. In various embodiments, the guide
indicator is controlled to oscillate with the determined period T1.
Test shows that people are very good at following such an
animation.
In an optional step S5, the logic of the user device 50 may be
configured to present a second indicator representing actual
movement of the resistance element based on sensor data from the
sensor arrangement 11, such as position data determined by means of
the range meter 12. This may be helpful for understanding how well
the user is able to follow the guide indicator showing the target
period T1 or T2. In some embodiments, the second indicator may
instead, or additionally, include text feedback, or audible
feedback, based on how well the user following the guide indicator,
such as "good job", "slow down", "speed up" etc.
Animations usable in steps S4 and S5 will now be described by way
of example with reference to FIGS. 9A through 9G and 10. Each
drawing shows a representation of a user interface presentable on a
display 56. In the user interface, end positions of the exercise
motion are indicated by concentric circles 91 and 92: a static
inner circle 91 marks a first end position of the exercise motion,
and a static outer circle 92 marks the second end position of the
exercise motion. The guide indicator 93 includes an animation of a
circle controlled to change radius with the determined period, for
example T1, between an inner radius limit of circle 91 and an outer
radius limit of circle 92.
FIGS. 9A through 9G and 10 shows a guide indicator in various
phases of a set including four repetitions. The repetition number
may be presented by a number in the inner circle, as illustrated.
Moreover, a completion indicator 94 may be presented, which
indicates to the user how far into the set the user has reached.
The completion indicator may be presented as a circumference
portion 94 outside of the outer circle 92. Since this example
includes a set of four repetitions, the completion indicator
indicates a fourth of the entire circumference as long as the first
repletion is carried out. In an alternative embodiment, the
completion indicator 94 may rather indicate that a certain
repetition is completed after it is finished.
Start of an exercise motion may be determined using the sensor
arrangement 11. In many types of exercise motions using an exercise
machine 1, a lower end position is not a rest position of the
resistance element, such as a weight stack 2. Rather, the weight
stack is normally raised a portion to assume a first, lower, end
position of the motion, then raised to the second end position and
released back to the first position. The weight stack is
subsequently let down to the rest position again when the set is
completed.
In one embodiment, the sensor arrangement is configured to detect
initiation of a motion using the accelerometer 13. The
accelerometer will yield a signal over a predetermined threshold
associated with an acceleration value when the user first lifts the
weight stack. This may trigger the range meter 12 to measure its
relative position, for example once or a number of intermittent
times. If the detected relative position exceeds a position
threshold value from a rest position, such as at least 2-5 cm, it
may be determined that the user is initiating a stroke of an
exercise motion. In such an embodiment, the range meter is
triggered to intermittently, such as 5-10 times a second, measure
its relative position to sample position data, based on which the
distance x may be determined. If, on the other hand, the detected
relative position does not exceed the position threshold value from
a rest position, it may be determined that the detected
acceleration was caused by other reasons, such as by accident or by
the user making adjustments to the exercise machine 1. This causes
the range meter to stop measuring its relative position, and
thereby to save battery. The determination that the user is
initiating a stroke of an exercise motion may also involve time,
using a clock function in the repetition detector 10, wherein the
position threshold value must be exceeded at least a predetermined
time period from triggering by the accelerometer, for example 2-5
seconds, or else the range meter is configured to stop measuring
its relative position to save battery energy.
In FIGS. 9A-9C, the first repetition is initiated, and the guide
indicator 93 starts expanding from the inner limit 91 towards the
outer limit 92. Note that the arrows in these drawings merely
indicate the direction of motion of the guide indicator 93, and not
as objects presented on the user interface.
In FIGS. 9D-9E, after reaching the outer limit 92 in FIG. 9C, the
guide indicator 93 starts retracting towards the inner limit
91.
In FIG. 9F, the guide indicator has reached the inner limit 91, and
marks that the first repetition is completed. This may involve
increasing the center indicator from 1 to 2, and may also involve
updating the completion indicator 94 to indicate that the user is
now performing the second out of four repetitions.
In FIG. 9G, animation associated with the second repetition
commences, in the same manner as for the first repetition ion FIG.
9A.
In various embodiments, the first detected completed stroke may be
used for determining the distance x, wherein the distance x is
obtained by measuring the difference of the relative position of
the detected end positions when operating the machine 1. In such an
embodiment, the guide indicator 93 may either be absent during the
first stroke, or alternatively be shown with a nominal time period
value Tn calculated based on a nominal stroke distance xn. After
the first stroke is completed, the period T may be obtained based
on the measured distance x, and subsequently employed for showing
the animation of the guide indicator 93.
FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment corresponding to FIG. 9A. Herein,
though, and additional second indicator 95 is shown, representing
the actual motion of the user, for example actual movement of the
resistance element based on detected position data. In such an
embodiment, rather than just determining a suitable period and
assisting the user in controlling the exercise machine 1 by means
of guide indicator 93, the user's success in following the guide
indicator 93 is presented. When the exercise motion is performed as
intended, the second indicator 95 will overlap the guide indicator.
In various embodiments, the second indicator 95 is only presented
if and when the user fails to follow the guide indicator to a
certain predetermined degree, for example when a calculated actual
speed of motion deviates from the target speed v to a certain
extent, such as a delta value or a percentage value. In some
embodiments, the second indicator is configured to change color
dependent on correlation with the guide indicator. For example, if
the motion is performed too fast the second indicator may be
presented with a first color, such as yellow, and if the motion is
too slow the second indicator may be presented with a second color,
such as red. In some embodiments, both the first and second colors
deviate from a color of the guide indicator, which for example may
be green.
In the drawings and specification, various aspects of the
disclosure have been disclosed. However, many variations and
modifications can be made to these aspects without substantially
departing from the principles of the present disclosure. Thus, the
disclosure should be regarded as illustrative rather than
restrictive, and not as being limited to the particular aspects
discussed above. Accordingly, although specific terms are employed,
they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
The description of the example embodiments provided herein have
been presented for purposes of illustration. The description is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit example embodiments to the
precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from
practice of various alternatives to the provided embodiments. The
examples discussed herein were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles and the nature of various example
embodiments and its practical application to enable one skilled in
the art to utilize the example embodiments in various manners and
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein may
be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus,
modules, systems, and computer program products. It should be
appreciated that the example embodiments presented herein may be
practiced in any combination with each other.
It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily
exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed
and the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the
presence of a plurality of such elements. It should further be
noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the
claims, that the example embodiments may be implemented at least in
part by means of both hardware and software, and that several
"means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item
of hardware.
The various example embodiments described herein are described in
the general context of method steps or processes, which may be
implemented in one aspect by a computer program product, embodied
in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable
instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in
networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include
removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not
limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM),
compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally,
program modules may include routines, programs, objects,
components, data structures, etc. that performs particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable
instructions, associated data structures, and program modules
represent examples of program code for executing steps of the
methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such
executable instructions or associated data structures represents
examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions
described in such steps or processes.
Various embodiments of the proposed solutions may include any
combination of the following clauses C:
C1. A device configured to enhance user operation of an exercise
machine, the device comprising
control circuitry including logic configured to
obtain a stroke measure associated with an exercise motion
performed by the user operating the exercise machine;
obtain a speed value associated with a target speed for the
exercise motion;
determine a target period for the exercise motion, based on the
stroke measure and the speed value;
output a guide indicator representing the target period on a
display.
C2. The device of C1, comprising
a data receiver configured to receive said stroke measure from a
sensor arrangement of the exercise machine.
C3. The device of C1, a data receiver configured to receive
position data of a resistance element of the exercise machine from
a sensor arrangement, wherein the logic is configured to determine
the stroke measure based on said position data.
C4. The device of any preceding clause, wherein said stroke measure
is a measured distance between two end positions of said exercise
motion.
C5. The device of any preceding clause, comprising
a memory for storing said stroke measure.
C6. The device of C5, wherein the logic is configured to obtain the
stroke measure from said memory.
C7. The device of any preceding clause, comprising said
display.
C8. The device of any preceding clause, wherein said control
circuitry includes
a processor; and
memory storage;
wherein the processor is configured to execute program code stored
in said memory storage to generate said logic.
C9. The device of any preceding clause, wherein said guide
indicator is controlled to oscillate with the determined
period.
C10. The device of any preceding clause, wherein said guide
indicator includes an animation of a circle controlled to change
radius with the determined period between an inner radius limit and
an outer radius limit.
C11. The device of C9 or C10, wherein said guide indicator is
controlled to present a repetition indication, associated with a
number of repetitions of the exercise motion carried out in one set
of repetitions.
C12. The device of any preceding clause, wherein the target speed
represents a predetermined desired maximum speed between end
position of the exercise motion.
C13. The device of any preceding clause, wherein the target period
(T1), representing the exercise motion from a first end position to
a second end position and back to the first end position is
determined as T1=pi*x/v, where x is the stroke measure and v is the
target speed.
C14. The device of any preceding C1-12, wherein the logic is
configured to
obtain a first speed value (v1) associated with a first target
speed from a first end position to a second end position of the
exercise motion, and obtain a second speed value (v2) associated
with a second target speed from the second end position to the
first end position of the exercise motion,
wherein said target period includes a first period portion based on
the stroke measure and the first speed value, and a second period
portion based on the stroke measure and the second speed value.
C15. The device of C14, wherein said target period includes an idle
period between the first period portion and the second period
portion.
C16. The device of C3, wherein the logic is configured to present a
second indicator representing actual movement of the resistance
element based on said position data.
C17. A system configured to enhance user operation of an exercise
machine, comprising
a device according to any of the preceding clauses; and
a sensor arrangement connectable to the exercise machine,
including
an accelerometer to sense acceleration during an exercise motion,
and
a range meter to sense a relative position of a member of the
exercise machine;
a sensor controller configured to output data based on sensed data
to the device.
C18. The system of C17, wherein the stroke measure is a distance
between two sensed relative end positions of said exercise
motion.
C19. The system of C17 or 18, wherein the sensor arrangement is
configured to
detect initiation of a motion using the accelerometer;
detect a relative position using the range meter responsive to
detected initiation;
determine start of a stroke responsive to the detected relative
position exceeding a threshold value from a rest position.
C20. A method carried out in a user device for enhancing user
operation of an exercise machine, comprising
obtaining a stroke measure associated with an exercise motion
performed by the user operating the exercise machine;
obtaining a speed value associated with a target speed for the
exercise motion;
determining a target period for the exercise motion, based on the
stroke measure and the speed value;
outputting a guide indicator representing the target period on a
display.
C21. The method of C20, including any of the steps carried out by
the user device in C1-C16.
* * * * *